Jane Austen's Persuasion | Summary & Review

In this video, you'll see what I think about Persuasion (as well as what happens when my doorbell rings unexpectedly while I'm filming.)
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CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:13 - Summary
24:18 - Review & Discussion Points
MY NOVELS
Leaves of Holly
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ATTRIBUTIONS:
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Illustrations by C. E. Brock (died 1938) [Public domain]
#janeausten #persuasion #classics

[@mckennatowns5306]

Austen has two types of heroines. She has Emma and Lizzy and Marianne who all have some serious character flaws and need to change in order to find their happy match in marriage. Her other heroines like Fanny and Elinor and Anne are already moral people and are challenged throughout their respective novels to remain steadfast in their morals. So Anne’s lack of ‘character growth’ is a feature instead of a bug

[@ArnellaHobler]

I've never thought of Jane Austen's heroines that way, but you do make a good point!

[@tahlia__nerds_out]

Spoilers below. Also, I might tend to overthink things like Anne. You have been warned: Persuasion is actually one of my favorite Austen novels (tied with all the others, of course 😂). First of all, I love the Crofts; Admiral & Mrs. Croft are just the loveliest most devoted couple (they might be my favorite couple). They are among one of the few long married couples that are represented in a positive light (the other being the Gardiners from Pride & Prejudice). The part where Admiral Croft tells Anne that he wishes that all women were called Sophy (his wife’s name) is adorable. I also love where it is described that Admiral Croft constant drives their carriage into ditches, etc, leaving his wife to constantly correct their course, but but that she would that she would rather be thrown out of the carriage with him than drive safely without him. Their devotion not only is touching but feels so real. The Croft/Wentworth family makes me smile anyway. Captain Wentworth declaring that once married people start telling him that he will change his mind once he’s married, all he can do is leave the room… it just feels like such a normal (and healthy) family interaction. I can see why Anne wants to be a part of their family, considering how undervalued she is in her own. As for Anne… I have to admit that I love Anne. The telling vs showing works here imho because Anne lives so much in her own head. In a way, we are shown her main character flaw without being told it. We are shown her introvert tendencies to observe rather than get involved. She is what Elinor could have become without a supportive and loving family. Her father and Elizabeth openly care little for her and frequently speak as if she is unwanted and of not importance. Even Mrs. Russell - the only person who cared about Anne for Anne (outside of Captain Wentworth) - does not love Anne so well as to respect Anne’s decisions and instead consistently overrides what Anne wants. Anne wants to marry Wentworth, can’t have that. Anne doesn’t want to go to Bath, too bad. Mrs. Russell even goes so far as to try and persuade Anne to a relationship with Mr. Elliot while purposefully concealing from Anne that she knows Captain Wentworth to be in Bath too. Throughout Anne’s life, she is surrounded by people who disregard her opinions, whether maliciously or out of misguided love. She is either ignored or used… and she frequently has things decided for her due to her dependent spinster status. With her opinion demonstrated frequently to be of little value to those around her, it is no wonder that she is withdrawn and lives in her own world of silent observation and narration. She feels things deeply, but that is just what seems to paralyze her time and time again when wanting to be more open with Captain Wentworth. Anne’s weakness aren’t as obvious as Marianne’s insensitive (and at times cruel) self-absorption and lack of self control. And unlike Elizabeth, Anne’s flaws do not cause her to be high spirited and amusing as she chooses to see exactly what she wishes to. Anne’s flaws are like those of Elinor or even Fanny Price… these three introverts live in an inner world where they feel deeply and they suffer unnoticed. Anne is just the only one where, even though the story is written in third person, we live so much in her head that we experience her mind awhirl when she meets Captain Wentworth for the first time in 8 years. I believe that we don’t truly see Captain Wentworth & Anne interact until later because, until Anne realizes that he still cares for her, each interaction between the two of them is a blur… she only absorb the bare details of each meeting, hence why, through narration, we can only be told of it rather be shown it. We can only see and feel what she does and she can’t be focused on details where Captain Wentworth is concerned, not until she knows for sure that he cares about her too. Jane Austen was bold choosing this heroine to be the one to write in such an immersive fashion. But truly, Anne Elliot could not have been written any other way. Anne is the quintessential introvert, the wallflower that no one notices until she forgets to be self-conscious and uncomfortable (like in Lyme). Anne would have been hard to read if she were written in a Pride & Prejudice style; there is simply not enough action. All the action is inside her head and in her heart. It’s one of the few times imho that telling through narration is it’s own unique form of showing. Now that my long-winded defense of Anne is over, I loved that you compared Mary to Mrs. Bennet. So true. She and Charles could have well been what Mr & Mrs Bennet were like when younger… although I believe that Charlotte Palmer and Mr. Palmer (Sense & Sensibility) might be a slightly better picture of the Bennet’s marriage before she became so querulous. Thanks so much for another lovely video! Sorry for any typos; I’m on my phone and it loves to autocorrect.

[@ArnellaHobler]

First off, so sorry for my late reply! Somehow your comment got into the spam filter, most likely due to the length (which is a shame since I love long comments), but thankfully I found it before it disappeared! And secondly; thank you for this! Given that I had my own subjective views upon reading it, it's so interesting to hear from people who have different views and don't mind explaining them in a thorough and friendly manner. I enjoyed reading your thoughts. You are quite right about the Crofts being a breath of fresh air, their relationship does feel very genuine compared to many others. I'm intrigued by your interpretation of Anne and how she's written. It was a while since I read it now, but I seem to remember certain scenes with them becoming more detailed when Wentworth addressed Anne directly. We had many scenes with them both present but without interacting, and those weren't nearly as detailed (sometimes just narration) - as you said, a bit of a blur. This theory applies additional depth to it which I like. Also, I want to mention that I think some of my dislike of Anne has to do with internalised "cringe", for lack of a better word. I saw a lot of myself in her, especially sides of myself that I dislike, which in the end made me judge her more harshly. There's also a downside to making these videos just as you've finished reading, since you don't get the time to process everything before posting it. I do agree that all Jane Austen's novels are masterpieces in their own way, and it's so interesting how people pick their favourites. Thanks so much again :)

[@cameron7603]

I haven’t read Persuasion since high school 30 years ago. But I just took my copy from the bookcase and started reading it again, thanks to your video :)

[@ArnellaHobler]

Oh that's nice, I hope you enjoy it then :)

[@michaelconrad4445]

Hi Arnella, I have just completed Persuasion and I truly loved it like all that Miss Jane writes. I will start by saying I most liked your last two minutes of your book review because I find it's not so much the story and it's sub plots but the craft and description in her manor of thinking with its thoroughly communicated ideas so detailed and to the point, so very well articulated and concise. It really demonstrated the erosion of the contemporary mind in our general ability to communicate intelligently, with its 'Like' this or that 'thing' or other empty usage of words in conversation. These days it's all so outward and material and lacking in mental depth. Yes with Jane it's not always so much the story or the plot but the beauty in her summery and communication of each minute detail. Each sentence can be savored, reread and compared to how I might phrase my own thoughts. She is a great teacher and I am her humble student. She brings tears to my eyes and makes me beg for more. I find her more beautiful than I can possibly express. It is no wonder she is so loved 200 years after her death, there is a timelessness about her. She is an ambassador for all man kind. I have read 4 of her novels in the last 4 weeks and will have Amazon deliver Northanger Abbey on Monday. I have made it a habit not to read the preface or any book reviews until after I have completed what ever book I'm entertaining. I want no spoilers or alerts. You are very charming and I really enjoy listening to you. You are a breath of fresh air in these high Oregon mountains.

[@emid5726]

I love your tea cup!

[@MartinDSmith]

There was more drama when the doorbell rang than in the entire novel😂. Haven't read Persuasion,while I'm getting into Mansfield Park at the moment.

[@ArnellaHobler]

Fair point 😅 I should get into Mansfield Park as well someday, have to complete the collection 😊

[@logann-mackenziefroste563]

I agree the book Persuasion is very dry, slow and long for a short book. I am listening the audiobook and I am only on chapter 1 and I already want to dnf it and I playing it at 2x speed and it’s still boring. Is Mansfield Park a better book ?

[@MartinDSmith]

@@logann-mackenziefroste563 Just to say I have since read Persuasion and enjoyed reading it.As for Mansfield Park it's quite enjoyable too.People react to books in different ways,so it's always difficult to be secure in recommending to another person.

[@shreevas6160]

​@@logann-mackenziefroste563 I found Mansfield park the most boring of them all. persuasion is definitely my close-second-favourite Austen novel 🙃 for me the one word summary of Persuasion is: Hope

[@logann-mackenziefroste563]

I love your retelling of the book it’s so much more enjoyable and understandable then trying to read the book.

[@ArnellaHobler]

Aw thank you! 😊

[@michaelconrad4445]

I just discovered the amazing Jane Austen. I very much enjoy her. I sink into her novels like a warm bath on a cold day. I really enjoy your analogies and commentaries. I think your great. There is so much I could say.

[@ArnellaHobler]

Thank you so much, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! And you're quite right, reading Jane Austen does feel like a warm bath on a cold day :)

[@donalee1975]

A very good preview of the story. It's the only one l had not actually read. Recently saw 20@ version and felt it was TOO MODERNIZED. 😊 THANK you. Your voice is easy to listen to as l colored. Thank you. 🇨🇦

[@ArnellaHobler]

Oh thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it 😊 I haven't seen the new version yet, I'm a little scared of it quite frankly, given all the reviews 🧐

[@MissLisers]

Great job on this video!! You were enjoyable to listen to and I love your opinion on Anne. Not quite a heroine but I like the imperfection.

[@ArnellaHobler]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@rebblount1926]

The characters were well developed in the movie with Claran Hines as Wentworth

[@michaelconrad4445]

I just read Mansfield Park I so wish you would to a video on that fine novel

[@ArnellaHobler]

I'm sure I will do all Jane Austen's novels at some point! I do like the idea of having the completed collection on my channel.🙂

[@yon8378]

As far as I can tell from various polls I have seen, Persuation is the main rival to P&P as Austen's most popular novel. I am surprised to find that you dissent!

[@ArnellaHobler]

I think it's only natural that certain books speak to us in a different way. We all have different experiences and such. Art being subjective is what makes it special, after all 😊

[@michaelconrad4445]

How do you think Hula hoops would have gone over on the lawn of one of Jane Austen's garden parties ? Though slightly absurd, I found this a humorous thought. I can imagine that the gyration of the hips back in the day might not yet be so acceptable ....

[@rebekahcopeland500]

so, that beautiful placid pooch is not only bark? lol. Anne reminds me of Edward from S and S. In repsonse to being born into families who are vain, posing, social climbers, they both seem to settle into passive personalities. They have nothing in common with anyone in their family, they are not interested in beauty, power, wealth, being right or even being heard. Their family members have no regard, no respect for Anne or Edward. There is no point in either of them speaking their mind because they know the response - en masse too. I don't find them boring or lacking, at least not more boring than living in that time would have been. Edward wants to be a parson, have a family annd live a quiet life and Anne will fill her life with meaningful activity until she can get her man.

[@ArnellaHobler]

Haha, yes the pooch is not only bark - at least when it comes to delivery men! 😂 And - that is a good comparison. In a way, Edward would have been a perfect match for Anne. And there's of course nothing wrong with those personality traits. They just seem all the more quiet and unimposing compared to the loudness of the characters surrounding them.

[@paisleyjane9606]

Anne is alone in ways that no other Jane Austen heroine is. Lady Russell could have been a confidante but she is away most of the time. I think that's part of the reason there is so little dialogue and leads to many people's dissatisfaction with this book. It's actually one of my favorites, though I don't know why. I love Persuasion and Northamger Abbey even though they are pretty much opposites as far as communication between the two main characters.

[@jillkevinfrisby2743]

Thanks for your review. Like you I loved Mary’s character. She leapt off the page and made me smile. I agree that Anne was too perfect. One of my favourite parts was actually the introduction of Mrs Smith. The description is superb. More generally Austin’s use of language is so impressive, and you have to slow down to appreciate it. She is also quite a feminist: her views and ideas still chime 200 years later. This was my first Jane Austin novel. There are indeed so many characters and coincidences that I started making separate notes and family trees so as not to lose track. Overall I really enjoyed this novel and will read others by JA. Thanks again.

[@ArnellaHobler]

I very much agree about Jane Austen's language, I tend to slow down as well to fully appreciate it. And I think character descriptions/introductions are kind of her specialty, they're always a joy to read! Thanks for sharing :)

[@ZiggyPlayedGuitar1225]

Mansfield Park was rough. I barely finished it.

[@ArnellaHobler]

It is quite long, though, so I can't blame you for struggling to finish it. Especially if the story or characters weren't to your liking!

[@MegMentors]

scarlett letter.. can you do that

[@ArnellaHobler]

I have another book planned for Dec/Jan, but it's on my shortlist :)

[@MegMentors]

@@ArnellaHobler I have friends of literature. Do you wanna interact with them live?

[@jobell7076]

Judging by this video, I don't think you've really understood the novel... or, in fact, appreciated Jane Austen as a writer. You might want to read around the topic a little more. I suggest John Mullan's fine book on Austen. Or check out Octavia Cox's excellent channel on KZbin for close reading and analysis.

[@ArnellaHobler]

If you think I've misunderstood the novel, feel free to enlighten me on the points I may have missed. I always appreciate people sharing their thoughts on the books I'm reviewing, and my understanding of certain books have only increased when this happens. Even if people have different opinions on a book, I see no reason not to have a constructive and open-minded discussion about it.

[@jobell7076]

@ArnellaHobler I thought there were so many points you missed ... it would take me far too long to type them all out on this tiny keyboard. However, here are a couple to get you started. Anne did not choose to remain behind at Uppercross while her father went to Bath, she was 'claimed' by Mary. Unmarried ladies in Anne's position could be commanded to go or stay wherever they were required to. Anne is quiet and withdrawn (maybe depressed even) at the start of the novel but she grows and comes back to life and 'bloom'. She isn't like Lizzie Bennett because Austen is a deeply experimental writer who wrote extraordinary novels that are subtle, satirical and multi layered... not for "Dull elves" ...as Austen herself said. You can, of course, choose to read them as 'Chick Lit' if you want to but there is so much more to discover if you scratch the surface ...and open your mind. Good luck on your journey.

[@fyodor371]

Please, I’m very curious to know why you didn’t finish the novel the first time? I’m biased, but can’t help but consider that a terrible lapse in judgment.

[@ArnellaHobler]

I explain my reasoning at 25:16 but I can elaborate some more. I don't remember the exact circumstances, but I wanted to make a video on Persuasion and started reading, but as I wasn't particularly hooked I ended up putting it aside for the moment and chose another book. It was never my intention to not finish the novel, just to make that clear :)

[@kunfayakun6624]

Hi

[@catrionahall8435]

Persuasion is a book that requires a lot of time and thought, perhaps maturity, to comprehend. And the facts matter. Anne stays with Mary in the Autumn of 1814 because Mary demands that she should, it is not her choice. A single woman of her time and class had less choice than we understand. Frederick Wentworth is a commander in 1806, he has the title “Captain” even then although he has not been “posted” - gained the next level that he attains in about 1808, as Post Captain. We are told all this, none of it is laboured but every fact matters. Jane Austen is so sparing in her writing, almost nothing is without point to the action. Mansfield Park requires the same attention and consideration, Fanny is another central character with almost no power. Power for women is one of the major themes of Jane Austen’s work.

[@ArnellaHobler]

Fiction is art, and art is and always will be subjective. Just because I didn't enjoy this as much as I've enjoyed some of her other works, that doesn't mean that I lack the maturity to comprehend it. I can also assure you that I took my time reading it and making notes as I was reading to make sure I didn't miss important details. It's okay to disagree and have different favourites from someone else, as long as we are respectful about it. 🌼

[@catrionahall8435]

Jane Austen is a writer who rewards repeated rereading, particularly her last three novels. You unravel more layers each time. She is not only a romantic writer, at my age I would say not romantic at all. She is interested in the options open to women in her time and how they could be negotiated.

[@brucealanwilson4121]

Thewhole plot could hqve been resolved if any of the principles had the courage God gave a goose & honestly said what they were thinking & feeling.

[@ArnellaHobler]

If only it was that easy! 😅

[@brucealanwilson4121]

@@ArnellaHobler In P & P, Lizzie told both Collins & Darcy exactly what she thought of them.. And Lady Katherine, for that matter.

[@MemoTercero]

Persuassion was a painfully dry book.